AIC 53rd Annual Meeting

Plastic-coated papers can be found in the covers of paperbacks, periodicals, and other commercial books of the twenty-first century. These books are potentially collected in libraries and archives containing contemporary print materials, likely becoming more prevalent with time. While synthetic coatings provide added strength and durability to book covers, the waterproof and adhesive-resistant properties of plastic present challenges to the application of conventional treatments for the mending or stabilisation of tears. Adhering synthetic papers with wheat starch paste is likely to be unsuccessful due to the low surface energy of certain plastic coatings. 

This project aimed to identify conservation materials and methods for stabilising tears in early twenty-first century periodical journals with matte laminated covers (see Figure 1), a type of synthetic-coated paper that was identified in analysis to contain polyethylene. Analytical examination of the paper was conducted with microscopy, infrared spectroscopy, X-ray fluorescence, Photographic Activity Testing, and pH testing. Next, a range of 9 common conservation adhesives were trialled for adhesion to matte laminated papers with an adapted peel testing method. Successful candidates were artificially aged, tested for reversibility, and compared using visual examination, colourimetry, and gloss measurements. Adhesive candidates were then applied in over 160 blends with varying methods of brushed wet application, pre-coated tissues, and cast films. Results were ranked for adhesion and visual properties to select for the most successful methods. 

Results indicate that while repairs with most cellulosic adhesives are likely to fail, a strong and reversible bond can be achieved with certain synthetic polymer-based adhesives (e.g., Aquazol® 500, Lascaux® 303 HV, and ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA)). Performing a successful repair is dependent on blend ratios and application techniques that avoid both weak adhesion and high surface tack, the latter of which could cause blocking. Three techniques using a Japanese tissue carrier and compatible adhesive blends were refined for application, namely: brushing through, brushing on, and reactivating pre-coated tissues with ethanol. A practical workshop for conservators and related roles was conducted to demonstrate and disseminate the techniques.

The presented tear repair techniques are proposed based on test findings on matte laminated papers and may be suitable for use with other papers containing polyethylene. Further research is needed to address additional deterioration pathways of synthetic papers, such as deformation and abrasion. There is a need for conservators to be equipped with adapted techniques for synthetic papers, as these materials can and do form part of present and prospective collections. 

This project was supported by the 2022-2023 Fulbright-National Archives Heritage Science Fellowship.